T is for Tranquility (1st of 2 Parts)

City girl that I am, it takes a lot to get me out of Manila. I’m the farthest thing from a beach person — forget eating barbeque under nipa huts, strolling barefoot in the sand, or taking me anywhere where there’s a body of water. Frankly, I like this concrete jungle that I live in. What of it, anyway? I will, however, make concessions for road trips to other cities where signs of progress and civilization abound.

Tagaytay has always been one of those places. I won’t call it my “getaway,” because there’s nothing I’m getting away from ”“ I love Manila, after all ”“ but it’s an excellent destination that’s just an hour away from the metro, and there’s so much to love about it. When I think Tagaytay, I think pineapples, buko, and fantastic restaurants unlike any other here in Manila.

fountain at night

leading to rooms

up to T House exit

The trend in Tagaytay nowadays is the boutique hotel, specialized smaller places that offer luxurious environments. One such place is the Boutique Bed and Breakfast and now, the T House, where I’m staying for the weekend.

reception area

path leading down to T House

view from veranda

Barely a month in operation, the T House is nestled on the Tagaytay Ridge. T stands for “tranquility” and it’s the guiding light of this little corner of quiet. Situated at the bottom of a sloping hill, shades of dark brown and white dominate. Natural elements such as stone, ferns, and water are thoughtfully utilized while mango and jackfruit trees cast shadows over the gurgling fountains. Balancing formal design with a respect for nature results in the landscape’s uncluttered lines, achieving simplicity and serenity, the main goals of Zen philosophy.

Earth room at T House

” />

Earth room

check out the rain shower-head

the bathroom is the first thing I look at in any hotel

Relaxing and getting back in touch with one’s center is the echo of the T House which seeks to provide an ideal refuge from life’s frenzy. Owners Fem Paguio and April Inocentes explain, “You could say the T House is a friendlier kind of boutique hotel.” Also called a bed and breakfast (the two terms often overlap), there are 15 rooms divided into three clusters ”“ Fire, Earth, and Water ”“ all individual in their own right but in-step with modern times. Each room is outfitted with an aircon, hot and cold shower (some have bathtubs), cable TV and WiFi access. Toiletries and towels are also provided for.

spa at T House

hey, no peeking!

scrubs and salts

A short walk down a stone-lined path, about five breaths (literally) from the rooms, is the spa area, perhaps the apotheosis of rest and relaxation. Here, behind a screen door awaits a plethora of massages, spa treatments, mani and pedi (manicure and pedicure), enhanced by one’s choice of salts, scrubs, and aromas. I have little use for spa treatments ”“ I’m unbelievably ticklish ”“ and usually end up leaving the massage room even tenser than when I first entered. But my Bin is in bliss and immediately signs up for a 90-minute massage.

my private reading nook

There are plenty of nooks and crannies (or under that tree!) where I’m more than content to read a book or sip some tea. Upon arrival at the T House, guests are given a welcome drink, usually a cool and icy refresher made from one of the herbs growing in the garden. Today it’s tarragon iced tea paired with a cold towel, a salve for our flushed skin.

T House’s open kitchen

Across the rooms is the dining area. Just like the exteriors, the interiors of this meld contemporary design with harmony and balance. Mismatched tables and chairs as well as a banquette have already been set for service. Soft music tinkles in the background and the ceiling fans whirl lazily above. Next door is the open kitchen bright and spacious enough to make any professional chef envious. Already the cooks are hard at work preparing our dinner.

What a clean and gorgeous looking place! Tagaytay is really becoming a city in its own right. Hope that doesn’t destroy its existing environment…

On another note, I really enjoy your blog and had a bit of a twilight zone moment when I clicked on your former blogspot webpage. Good thing I had the presence of mind to google your blog and found your new address 🙂

great pictures…….makes me want to plan a trip there on my next trip back to Pinas. i like you comments about “the bathroom is the first thing I look at in any hotel”. i actually do the same. the room might be mediocre but sorry, i like a great bathroom.

I was there about 2 weeks ago. My overall rating is 3 out of 10 for the following reasons:

– The service was really bad. The minute we arrived, we arrived, we reserved for a massage. I’d wanted the 4pm slot, but was told that they can only give me the 3pm slot. Not so much happy with the thought, I took it anyway. We went out, got back in time for 3pm, and was told that they moved our slot to 430pm….and this is w/o any prior notice! I was already mad but managed my temper. What really got me was despite me being a little irritated, the receptionist didn’t even bother an apology and said that someone else booked earlier. I really didn’t understand what procedure they have there but it was ultimately lousy service!

– The rooms were badly finished. Walls are not finely scraped, and I didn’t understand the purpose of placing some of their interior design. This should be manageable…but…

– There were insects inside the room! There was a large butterfly, a super duper big spider that crawled from the bathroom to the bedroom, to the wall above my head (while lying at night), and a roach below my pillow. I swear, if I’ve seen a lizard, I’d go ahead and clamor for a refund!

– Massage was ordinary. Despite me telling the masseuse many times not to push too hard, I guess she just couldn’t help herself. Well, I didn’t get relaxed….though the place was cozy enough I must say..